Humanitarian Aid Group Critical of U.S. Military Food Drops During Bombing of Afghanistan

Interview by Between the Lines' Scott Harris.

Even before the Sept.11 terror attacks against New York and Washington, D.C., Afghan refugees were fleeing that nation's cities as a result of drought conditions, ongoing warfare and repression at the hands of the Taliban government. Now, with the U.S. bombing of Afghanistan entering its third week, tens of thousands of refugees are headed toward border areas with Iran and Pakistan, where 4 million Afghans have already sought sanctuary.

Exacerbating the crisis is fear among many Afghan civilians after U.S. bombs and missiles struck non-military targets, including an aid agency's food warehouse, a United Nation's compound, an old age home and residential areas. While the number of refugees has not yet risen to worst case scenario estimates, there is concern that with winter approaching, upwards of 7.5 million Afghans will be at risk without adequate food, shelter or medical care. While the bombing continues many aid agencies are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to transport food inside the country.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Nicholas DeTorrente, executive director of Doctors Without Borders' U.S. office, who critically assesses the Afghan refugee crisis and the Bush administration's decision to air drop military food rations over Afghanistan(A RealAudio Version of this interview may be found At http://www.btlonline.org).

Doctors Without Borders in the U.S. can be contacted toll free at 1-(888) 392-0392 or visit their Web site www.doctorswithoutborders.org

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